Origin
Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff, also known as Maui beggarticks, is native to the Hawaiian Islands. More specifically, it is endemic to the island of Lanai in Maui County, Hawaii.
Common Names
Aside from Maui beggarticks, Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis is also commonly referred to as Lanai bur-marigold, Lanai Island beggartick, and Lanai tickseed.
Uses
Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis has not been extensively studied for its medicinal properties. However, the closely related Bidens pilosa has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as skin infections, fever, and diarrhea. Additionally, Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis has ornamental value as a plant with bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage. It also has value in conservation efforts as a rare and endemic species.
General Appearance
Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are green, serrated, and oval-shaped with pointed tips, growing up to 6 cm long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers with a diameter of approximately 1 cm. Its seeds have barbed awns that allow them to attach to clothing or animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Growth Conditions for Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff
Light Requirements: Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff requires full sun to partial shade to grow best. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Inadequate light exposure can cause the plant to grow weak and leggy, resulting in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements: Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff grows well in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 85°F (15 to 29°C). It is essential to protect the plant from extreme temperature changes, such as frost or high heat.
Soil Requirements: Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should not be too dry or too wet, as it can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements: Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season.
Watering Requirements: Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. The frequency and amount of watering may vary depending on the environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Cultivation of Bidens Mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. Lanaiensis Sherff
Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff is a stunning plant that requires minimal care and grows quickly. This plant is native to Hawaii but can grow in other regions with similar conditions. Cultivating this plant requires proper selection of a planting location, soil preparation, and management of pests and diseases.
Location
The plant grows best in a spot with direct sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but the blooms will not be as vibrant. For gardeners who live in regions with hot climates, a site with afternoon shade is perfect to help reduce heat stress on the plant.
Soil Preparation
The plant thrives in soil that is well-drained, moist and rich in nutrients. Before planting, mix compost or rotted manure into the soil at a ratio of 1:1 to help improve the fertility of the soil. It is important to avoid planting the bidens plant on heavy clay soil since they tend to retain water, and the plant's roots can rot. If the soil has poor drainage, add perlite or vermiculite to the soil mixture to improve aeration.
Watering Needs
Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff requires regular watering to establish a healthy root system. During the hot summer months, water the plant every three days to ensure the soil remains moist. Reduce watering during the cooler winter months since the plant requires less water. However, make sure the soil is not too dry or too wet to avoid the plant's roots drying up or rotting.
Fertilization
Bidens plants require regular fertilization to promote growth and blooming. Fertilize the plant every other month with a balanced fertilizer. During the growing season, use a high nitrogen fertilizer to support foliage growth and blooming.
Pruning
To promote bushy growth and encourage blooming, prune the plant regularly. Prune off fading flowers and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Prune back the plant to a third of its size every year to promote new growth and improve the plant's health.
Propagation of Bidens Mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. Lanaiensis Sherff
Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff is a rare and endemic plant of Hawaii that grows as an attractive shrub with yellow flowers during the summer months. The plant grows best in well-drained soil and under full sun or partial shade. Propagation can be done through various methods such as seed sowing, stem cutting, or division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff are abundant in the wild and can be collected during the fruiting season. However, they have a low germination rate and require adequate preparation before planting. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and then treat them with smoke or hot water to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil and keep them moist until the seeds germinate, which may take up to several weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff can also be propagated through stem cutting. Take cuttings from healthy branches during the growing season and strip off the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance rooting and plant the cutting in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and provide shade to the cutting until it develops new leaves. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to root and can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Bidens mauiensis (Gray) Sherff var. lanaiensis Sherff. This method is best suited for mature plants that have developed a clumping habit. Dig up the entire plant and remove the soil around it. Then, gently separate the clumps by hand or using a sharp knife. Make sure each division has several healthy stems and roots. Transplant the divisions into individual pots or garden beds, and keep the soil moist until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis
Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis is a rare and endangered plant species native to the Hawaiian island of Lanai. As such, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. The following are common ailments that may affect the plant, along with strategies for managing them.
Diseases
Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis is vulnerable to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause leaf spots, wilting, and other symptoms. Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf blight are common culprits. To minimize the risk of disease, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant. Remove any infected leaves or plant materials as soon as you notice them to prevent the infection from spreading. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to control the spread of disease if the situation worsens.
Pests
The primary pest affecting Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis is the aphid. These tiny insects suck sap from the plant’s leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can attract sooty mold and other secondary pests. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Another natural remedy is to introduce ladybugs into the area, as they are natural predators of aphids.
Caterpillars are another pest to look out for. They can cause significant damage by eating through the plant’s leaves. To manage caterpillars, you can physically remove them from the plant or use a natural pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Finally, slugs and snails may be attracted to Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis. They can cause considerable damage to young plants, eating through leaves and stems. To control these pests, you can use physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth. You can also set up traps using beer or yeast bait, or use iron phosphate-based slug bait.
By being vigilant and taking steps to prevent and manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure the health and survival of Bidens mauiensis var. lanaiensis.
